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Language Access Program

The Language Access (LA) Program exists to ensure District residents who are limited or non-English proficient are afforded equal access to information and services provided by the District. Residents who speak little English must be offered interpretation services and/or translated documents when obtaining government services, as required by the Language Access Act of 2004. The LA Program staff engage in extensive community outreach, provide training and technical support to District agencies working with LEP/NEP residents, and measure the effectiveness of agencies in serving such populations by examining resource allocation and service delivery.

"I Speak" Cards

In order to ensure that any limited English or non-English speaking resident receives equal access to services, the DC Office of Human Rights Language Access program provides "I Speak" Cards that direct government employees to provide such assistance. OHR encourages those who speak limited or no English to obtain the appropriate card for their language and carry it with them.

Know Your Rights Campaign

The Know Your Rights campaign aims to raise awareness among limited or non-English proficient residents about requesting an interpretor when accessing District government services. The latest Know Your Rights campaign was lauched in late August 2012 and consists of three parts. The (1) "I Speak" cards are a tool to help those with limited or no English to access government services, the (2) television and print advertisements are aimed at raising awareness in target communities, and (3) training and outreach to District agencies and direct service providers intends to increase knowledge about interpretations services.

Annual Compliance Reports

OHR is required to annually report progress of Language Access Act enforcement to the Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia. The report includes compliance summaries and status of each District agency identified by name in the Act and/or through regulation. Additionally, the Director reports policy recommendations, where necessary, for District agencies.

Issued for DC residents, the report consists of data accumulated during the District's fiscal year. Select the link below to view the current report:

Report: Ten Years of Language Access in Washington, DC

To commemorate the 10 year annivesary of the DC Language Access Act in April 2014, our office commissioned a report from the Urban Institute to reflect on 10 years of implementation and make recommendations on how to further improve government services for those who are limited and non-English proficient (LEP/NEP). The report, released in April 2014, along with input from government agencies and community advocates will help guide the Language Access Program as it continues to strive to provide equal services to LEP/LEP people. Learn more or download the report.